The Car Guide

The Toyota Corolla Cross has been given a timely update with its reveal taking place in Europe. The continent will also receive a GR Sport grade for the first time. Image: Toyota Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag.  Toyota has whipped the wraps off the updated Corolla Cross, and the changes are touted to offer sharper styling while refining the overall product. More importantly, the GR Sport grade will be implemented for the first time to global iterations of the popular SUV. Unlike South Africa, the international model will combine hybrid efficiency into the GR-badged package. With the updates, Toyota has aimed squarely at style- and tech-conscious buyers. The exterior debuts a reworked front grille with a honeycomb mesh design, redesigned LED headlights with adaptive high-beam functionality, and updated rear lights with aerodynamic fins. A set of 18-inch alloys sit on each corner, while an embossed model logo on the tailgate rounds up the changes to ...

Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) has unveiled the Evo Plus, a new rally-raid contender built for the FIA’s Ultimate class with a fresh design focused on handling, strength, and versatility. Image: NWM Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! First things first, while it may retain some of the styling hallmarks of the Ranger bakkie you can find at your local Ford dealership, this is a significantly different machine. At first glance, the Evo Plus might not seem radically different, but under the carbon-fibre bodywork lies a new, narrower chassis paired with a widened 2.3-metre track. This configuration, made possible by longer control arms and revised BOS suspension mounting points, gives the Evo Plus significantly improved performance over its predecessor, especially in technical and high-speed rally environments. Image: NWM Key to the Evo Plus’s capability is its suspension overhaul. The team redesigned the control arm mounting geometry to optimise anti-dive ...

Pagani may have drawn the curtain on the Zonda years ago, but the iconic supercar refuses to fade quietly into history. Here’s a closer look at the commission of the model, dressed in a fetching shade of blue – we can imagine it cost a pretty penny.  Image: Pagani Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! The latest chapter in its story comes in the form of a new one-off creation—the Zonda Unico Blue Carbon Roadster. Built through the marque’s Unico customisation program, this exclusive commission is a rare encore for one of the most revered names in the supercar world. The car, finished in a deep blue carbon fibre weave, was commissioned by an anonymous client and crafted entirely to their specifications. According to Pagani, it was “born in the silence of the Kunlun Mountains,” a poetic nod to the customer’s vision and the remote inspiration behind its design. While Pagani has not released technical specifications, it’s likely the car uses the familiar 7.3-l...

Amplifying the Spectre with the Black Badge alter ego, Rolls-Royce has introduced the most powerful vehicle it has ever produced. Image: Rolls-Royce Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag.  The Black Badge Spectre features a dual electric-motor arrangement developing 458 kW, an increase of 28 kW over the standard model. While the peak power output is unlocked when activating Infinity driving mode via the steering wheel, the full complement of torque comes to the fore in Spirited mode. However, the 1 075 N.m (up 175 N.m) can only be accessed when the Black Badge is stationary; depress the brake and throttle, wait for the haptic and visual cues signalling the car’s readiness, release the brake, and the Black Badge blasts 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Related: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 “Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made.” — Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royc...

Following rumours of inventory issues, Proton South Africa has confirmed to CAR Magazine that it is committed to a long-term future in the country and has no plans to exit. Image: Proton Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag. Following the recent release of CMH’s annual results, Proton South Africa has compiled a statement which officially reaffirms its long-term commitment to the local market. This comes following rumours that limited inventory remaining in the country wouldn’t be replaced. Related: Newly Reintroduced Proton Could Exit South Africa Again Proton added that despite this recent media speculation, Proton is not exiting the South African market. The reference made by CMH CEO Jebb McIntosh during the results presentation was strictly in relation to stock liquidation of ageing inventory in a very difficult and competitive market. Countering this statement, Proton added that this is ‘a standard industry practice to prepare for the arrival...

The City of Johannesburg is reportedly cutting the R313 million public transport grant, which is touted to be a major blow to commuters, residents and mobility future. Image: City of Johannesburg Looking for a new set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag.  The City of Johannesburg has come under fire following the loss of a R313 million public transport grant due to chronic operational failures in the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The Automobile Association (AA) has labelled the forfeiture “a blow to road users, low-income commuters, and public confidence,” highlighting growing concern over the city’s ability to manage its faltering transport infrastructure. Related: All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 The lost grant—originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network—was forfeited after Johannesburg failed to meet operational and performance criteria. The AA warns this is more than a bureaucratic hiccup and is a missed opportunity t...